Luton Town may have hit the jackpot with Alfie Doughty news: View | OneFootball

Luton will be pleased that Alfie Doughty has signed a new deal, they retain a Premier League-ready player, and also a sellable asset.

By retaining the wing-back's services, the Hatters have tied down a Premier League-ready player should they make a quick return to the top-flight. While if they choose to cash-in at any point, they have a very sellable asset on their hands.

24-year-old Doughty, who has a fantastic delivery from wide areas, was one of Rob Edwards' side's standout performers last season; one which saw them rub shoulders with the English footballing elite.

While the Kenilworth Road outfit ruffled a few feathers and competed well, they couldn't avoid a somewhat expected immediate return to the Championship.

There were plenty of Hatters players who impressed at the higher level, however, and Doughty caught the eye with his consistent, energetic displays combined with real quality on the ball, both in open play and from set-pieces.

Londoner Doughty began his career with Charlton Athletic, for whom he came through the youth system, making his senior debut in 2018.

The attacking full-back, who can also operate as an out-and-out left-winger, spent three years in and around the first-team squad at the Valley, making a total of 41 appearances for the Addicks in the second and third tiers.

Sandwiched in that time were brief loan spells with non-league sides Kingstonian and Bromley, before Doughty opted to leave Charlton, signing for Championship side Stoke City for an undisclosed fee in 2021.

The youngster found it difficult to break into the first-team in an ever-changing Potters squad, and, after spending some time on loan at Cardiff City during the second half of the 2021/22 season, joined the Hatters for an undisclosed fee the following summer.

Doughty quickly became an integral part of a hugely successful Luton team, who, on the back of a quick rise all the way from non-league, clinched promotion to the Premier League with a penalty shootout success over Coventry City in 2023's Championship play-off final.

That Luton squad was one that had a great mix of character, physicality, and quality; and Doughty and his colleagues created a real team spirit that, combined with a defined style of play, allowed them to reach great heights.

The former Charlton man looked very comfortable in the Premier League last season, and now entering his mid-twenties with real potential to grow further as a footballer, Doughty would have attracted the attention of many.

Wing-back agrees long-term Luton deal

While Luton's start to life back in the second-tier hasn't got off to the best of starts, their squad is a strong one, with every chance that, once they find their feet consistently, they'll be a force to be reckoned with once more.

The majority of key men from previous campaigns remain at Kenilworth Road, and Doughty committing his future to the club is a huge boost for Edwards and the club as a whole.

The Hatters' official website confirmed the development, and the wide player shared his delight at securing his future with Luton: “It’s a relief. I’ve been trying to get this done. When I knew about my situation at the club and I wanted to stay, I want to get back into the Premier League with Luton, especially after this couple of years we’ve had. It’s my third year now, I love the club and I’m happy to stay.

“It’s been brilliant and I can’t say enough about the club, it means a lot to me now. It started my career off again, having gone through a tough time, so there’s no reason why I wouldn’t have signed this contract. I’m happy now and I want to kick on even more.”

Luton will hope Doughty gets his wish of a top-flight return with the club, and by committing himself for the forseeable future, he gives manager Edwards and his teammates a better chance of achieving that.

New contract adds market value to Doughty

While the wide player has publicly declared his love for the club, and clearly feels a hugely appreciated, important member of the squad, football is notoriously unpredictable.

In a fast moving industry, with infinite variables, things can change quickly. Doughty continuing in the same vein of form will likely see interest from top-flight clubs in January and beyond.

Whether that comes to anything remains to be seen, but Luton have put themselves in a great position by renewing the effervescent 24-year-old's deal.

Aside from keeping hold of a top player, one who offers a consistent and reliable supply line to the likes of Carlton Morris and Eljah Adebayo, they've also added huge value to a potentially sellable asset, should the time come to cash-in on one of the EFL's top talents.

Either way, Luton have once again hit the jackpot by tying the wing-back down to a new, long-term contract.